TURA, June 1: The presence of a considerable number of illegal brick kilns and saw mills in South West Garo Hills was on Wednesday revealed with the All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF) from Betasing submitting a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, wherein they have demanded strict action against the illegal operators.
In the complaint to the DC on Tuesday, the federation claimed that as many as 15 illegal brick kilns are currently operating in the villages of Ichaguri, Thakuranbari, Talbari and Monabari, all under the district. According to the federation, the owners of the illegal brick kilns were warned several times and told to close down the illegal activity but the kilns continue to be operational till today.
“The illegal brick kilns continue to operate freely and openly as there has been no strict action or inspection by concerned departments of the government,” the federation said in their complaint.
Similarly, the federation also alleged that as many illegal sawmills were also being run in the district without any legal documents, posing a threat to the environment in the area. This, they said, was taking place in the villages of Majigre, Chigitchakgre, Adugre, Banduraja, Ampati Latigre, Rangsakona Bangre, Cjongpotgre Hajongpara, Mellim, Betasing, Darugre, Koligre and Balughat.
“The illegal saw mills are running even near the office of the Forest department, Ampati. It has also come to our notice that illegal transportation of timber is also increasing day by day. Trees are being cut with chainsaws and the same is transported to nearby border areas,” the federation alleged.
The federation, in its complaint, pointed out that the activities of vested interests for their personal gain is hampering the environment in the area. It demanded that strong action be taken against all those involved for violating the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Copies of the same complaint were also forwarded to the Superintendent of Police, Ampati, and the DFO, Tura West Garo Hills.
